Community Scheme was started under the direct Central assistance scheme in 1978-79 in 35 Polytechnics, on an experimental basis with a view to ensure the rural society a fair share of benefits from the investments in technical education system. The scheme envisaged the Community Polytechnics to act as focal points for Science and Technology applications in rural areas and generate self and wage employment opportunities through non formal training towards competency and need based courses in various trades or multiple skills.

Community Polytechnic is not a separate institution. It is a wing attached to the regular Polytechnic under the Direct Central Extence scheme of Ministry of Human Resource Department